The Pontiff took his wine cup, inhaled the aromas, and took a small sip, savoring the liquid with pleasure. The flavor was fruity and slightly acidic, with dense body, as it should be a good wine. He took another sip to cool his throat and returned the pure crystal cup to the table, with undisguised satisfaction.
--Really excellent. --he admitted.
Then, imitating his host, took some cured meat and brought it to his mouth. That dish was similar to the cecina, strong and tasty. He delicately savored it, concentrating on capturing every nuance of flavor.
--You're not wrong, I really like it. --said, smiling to Sephardi-- When you have 20 years in cryostasis your senses have atrophied so much that anything seems extraordinary now, but this meat and this wine is top quality.
The Pontiff took another piece of meat, and chewed slowly until swallow it. Then he took a napkin and wiped his lips. He looked straight into the eyes of Miguel Sephardi, no trace of a smile on his face.
--I'm not a man easily offended, señor. --he said-- Don't worry about it.
Paolus looked away and watched his titanium ring, symbol of the Covenant. He spin it around his finger, something he always did when he thought under pressure. He was not sure how to deal with the questions of the Corsair leader. Perhaps an excess of sincerity would be detrimental to their goals.
The Pontiff observed carefully the face and the expression of Sephardi. Looked like a man that addressed the problems bluntly. If that were true, could make things much easier.
--Actually the reason I'm here is simple. --he started-- Crete is a safe place for me.
"Some little time ago, shortly after my escape pod was found and I reveal the message that I had been entrusted by Deux, our Sanctuary base in Sigma 17 was destroyed before it had finished building. We never got to know who was responsible for this act, but my Field Maestre Juan de Alba, thought that those who did it, were intended to destroy me, so he asked the Council of Elders a place where I could stay temporarily while things calmed down. I must say I don't think that the destruction of our Sanctuary had something to do with me, but it is true that prevention is better than cure."
"You say you're afraid of the enemies that we can bring with us. Don't worry. The Corsair Empire has more enemies than our humble Church can ever have, with the help of Deux. In fact we only have an enemy. An enemy so is yours. An enemy is also an enemy of all mankind. This terrible threat is the Nomad."
Paolus took his glass of water and drank halfway, to clear his throat again. Then continued:
"You're worried about your family. You do well. The Nomads are present in the Omicrons, and their number increases more and more. But this is nothing compared to what our Divine Giver has revealed to me. It is preparing an authentic assault on the Omicrons, which is the beginning of a total conquest plan around Sirius."
"It's my Sacred Duty to warn you that you will be the first to be attacked massively. Some Zoner communities have had isolated struggles with these abominations, but you, the Corsairs, are the most powerful faction in the area, and will be attacked with particular aggressiveness. So... yes, I'm afraid that we're here or not, you will have to send your young soldiers to die fighting. Unfortunately we will also have to."
The Pontiff wait a moment for your host could digest the words that he had uttered. Then he continued speaking:
"As for my plans here ... I would give the few thousand followers of the Deux's Faith in Crete the possibility of praying in a temple ... with priests ordained by my Church. I have intention to apply for permission to the Council of Elders, to build a temple here, of course paid by us. I just need a place. After many centuries as sheep without a shepherd, our faithful have found the light, and I consider a duty to give these believers of Deux a home to practice the rites properly."
He showed one of his famous smiles of absolute peace.
"My Church has no intention of sharing his problems with Corsair Empire. We do not want to cause any mishap. In fact, if my presence here was a nuisance, I ask you to communicate to me, and immediately leave the planet without hesitation. After all, this is the place where I was born, and still consider the inhabitants of Crete as part of my people. I do not want to suffer any evil for me."
"My Church also offers you services in the diplomatic. Is only an offer, of course, I'm not saying that you need it, but as you said, the Corsair Empire has too many declared enemies. From our neutrality, the NCC can talk to factions and mediating in conflicts in which you, as faction, would be treated with prejudices from the beginning."
Paolus took a little longer cured meat, and accompanied it with what was left in his glass wine.
--I really hope I have answered all your questions, --said calmly-- but you can always make me more, señor Sephardi. I came here tonight to do just that, besides to share with you this wonderful dinner.
